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Providers & Team
Exceptional care begins with exceptional people. Our team is composed of highly trained psychologists, licensed clinicians, and dedicated support staff who share a commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.
Gary Longwith
Psy.D
Gary Longwith, Psy.D., is a Clinical Psychologist at Valley Psychological Group in central Bakersfield. As a licensed psychologist, he is part of a dedicated team that has been serving the community since 2005 and offers comprehensive psychological services with a focus on individualized care.
Dr. Longwith provides psychological testing and welcomes new patients specifically for these assessments, while the clinic is currently not accepting new therapy clients. His practice serves Bakersfield and surrounding areas from the established Valley Psychological Group office.
The clinic’s attention to client needs, multiple contact options including phone and text for appointment scheduling, and clear COVID-19 protocols reflect a professional, accessible approach to care. Clients can expect thorough, community-based psychological assessment delivered in a practice that prioritizes client well-being.
Heidi N. Wolfson
Ph.D
Specializing in the treatment of mental health problems, and helps people to cope with their mental illnesses. As a psychologist, Dr. Wolfson evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit Dr. Wolfson because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help.
Carol Matthews
Psy.D
licensed Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma, anxiety, and life’s most challenging experiences. With advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, I specialize in guiding clients through evidence-based trauma treatment that fosters resilience, emotional regulation, and long-lasting change. My clinical approach is both compassionate and collaborative, rooted in the belief that every individual has the capacity for recovery and growth. I integrate EMDR with complementary therapeutic methods, tailoring each treatment plan to the unique needs of the person
Shiangyin (Shine) Wei
L.M.F.T
Specializing in relationships and family systems and brings that focus to clients across the clinic.
She works with individuals, couples, and families and practices within a group that also offers psychological testing. The practice is currently not accepting new therapy clients but welcoming new clients for psychological testing.
Her work is supported by Valley Psychological Group’s emphasis on accessibility; the practice uses text messaging for appointment scheduling and reminders and maintains clear COVID-19 protocols. Her role reflects the practice’s commitment to professional excellence and community-focused care.
Cherilyn Haworth
Psy.D, L.C.S.W, Registered Psychological Associate
Licensed clinical social worker since 2009 and holds a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.). With more than 20 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting survivors of trauma and abuse. Her background includes working with individuals, couples, families, and groups navigating a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges.
She practices from a humanistic orientation and has advanced training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
During the first appointment, clients can expect to experience unconditional positive regard as they explore barriers to achieving their personal goals. Dr. [Last Name] offers both virtual sessions and in-person appointments at her private office in Bakersfield, California. She is currently licensed to practice in California, Virginia, and Oregon.
Throughout her career, Dr. [Last Name] has been continually inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. She recognizes that every individual’s challenges are unique, and she is dedicated to helping clients navigate their healing journey toward growth and balance.
Karina Proffer
Registered Psycholical Associate
Bio coming soon...
Gerald Lavarias
Registered Psychological Associate
With extensive experience in the fields of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and mental health, Gerald Lavarias is dedicated to providing ethical, practical, and effective clinical care. In addition to his clinical work, Gerald serves as an adjunct faculty professor at Fresno Pacific University, where he teaches graduate-level courses for aspiring Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and previously directed the university’s graduate ABA program.
Gerald’s professional focus includes developing comprehensive training models for staff and parents, implementing functional ABA strategies for individuals with challenging behaviors, and providing behavioral consultation in both school and home-based environments. Guided by a commitment to evidence-based and compassionate care, he strives to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families while promoting positive, lasting outcomes. Through leadership, collaboration, and respect for diversity, Gerald continues to foster meaningful social growth and development within the community.
A Team You Can Trust
Our providers and staff are united by one mission: to deliver exceptional, compassionate mental health care that supports lasting growth and healing.